““How much did he charge you?” he asked, intending to add that amount to her allowance. “Originally he wanted $1,000 whether he finds news of Robert or not. But I offered to pay him twice his fee if he’s successful.” “And if he isn’t?” “Oh, in that case I didn’t think it was fair that he receive anything,” she said. “I persuaded him I was right.” Ian’s shout of laughter was still ringing in the hall when they entered the drawing room to greet the Townsendes.””
